The best lunch in LA

You want the absolute bar-none best lunch in LA?

Go to Chaya Brasserie, which is near Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Don’t even look at the menu—it’s a good menu, everything’s great, but don’t waste your time. When you sit down, say, “I want the tempura bowl.”

This is the best tempura ever. Darin doesn’t even like tempura, but when I say, “Chay–” he cuts me off and says, “Let’s go.”

The bowl has: a slab of seared ahi tuna; tempura of two shrimp, two stalks of asparagus, two woodear mushrooms, two shiitake mushroom, and two pieces of Japanese eggplants; the best wasabi cream sauce you have ever had in your life; a superlative version of the classic tempura dipping sauce; and perfectly done sushi rice.

It’s the priciest tempura we’ve ever had and so worth it.

Chaya Brasserie has great desserts, but if you want the most total superlative finish to the meal, you get in your car, turn north on Robertson, turn right on Melrose, drive until you get to Sweet Lady Jane. Park. You and your companion should each order a dessert, but don’t worry: you won’t be able to finish both. You’ll take about half of each home.

You will go into a “fabulous food” coma. Which is unfortunate, if, like Darin, you have to go home and work.

Guess what we did today?

ps – The tempura bowl is only available at lunch, which is why this is the best lunch in LA.